This morning, Thursday 9 September 2021, His Excellency Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echenique, President of the Republic of Chile, was received in audience by the Holy Father Francis, and subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, appreciation was expressed for the existing good bilateral relations, as well as for the joint commitment to peace, social justice, and the protection of the poor, the marginalized and the most vulnerable. The parties focused on the country’s domestic situation, paying particular attention to socio-economic development, the process of reform of the Constitution and relations with the Catholic Church. In this regard, serene cooperation was hoped for, in view of the contribution the Church makes for the good of the entire population in the charitable, educational and social spheres, especially in this critical period of the pandemic.

The talks also enabled an exchange of views on a number of matters relating to international and regional current affairs and the promotion of peace and human rights in the world.